2023 Audi SQ5 review
Audi SQ5 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Sporty suspension doesn't sacrifice comfort
- Plenty of passenger space
- Luxurious without being over the top
- Great cornering abilities
Cons
- Makes less horsepower than its main rivals
- Not enough styling cues to differentiate it from the standard Q5
- Touchscreen user interface can be distracting to operate
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is both fun to drive and comfortable
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is the sport-oriented version of the automaker's Q5 compact SUV. It is perfect for those who want the convenience of a smaller SUV, but one with a little more pep in its step. Audi pairs a turbocharged V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, adding 88 horsepower to the Q5 for a total of 349 hp. That's a bit shy of the 382 hp delivered by the BMW X3 M40i and much less than the 434-hp Porsche Macan GTS, but it's still quick enough for many drivers. The SQ5 also receives larger wheels with stickier tires, a stiffer—yet still comfortable—suspension, and sporty seats to set it apart from the standard Q5. A sleeker SQ5 Sportback variant is reviewed separately.
There are a few additions to the standard equipment on the 2023 Audi SQ5, with the main highlight being adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Premium Plus trim level gains the Bang & Olufsen sound system, which was previously found only on the top-of-the-line Prestige trim.
All Audi SQ5 years
What is new for the 2023 Audi SQ5?
- SQ5 trims have been upgraded with Smart Key and Tow Hitch as standard equipment this year.
- The Prestige trim now comes with Adjustable Suspension and Cruise Control as standard equipment.
- The Premium trim now comes with Adjustable Suspension and Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2023 Audi SQ5 trims
Premium:
- 349-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Seats
- Side Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Adjustable Suspension
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Smart Key
- View our Audi SQ5 Premium inventory
Premium Plus:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- Panoramic Sunroof
- View our Audi SQ5 Premium Plus inventory
Prestige:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Plus
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Bluetooth Technology
- Navigation System
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Audi SQ5 Prestige inventory
Audi SQ5 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2023 Audi SQ5
What We Like
Nimble handling: Earning the S part of its name, the SQ5 is sporty in corners and enjoyable to drive. It offers excellent control and agility. Its summer tires provide more than enough grip for a public road, and its stability control gives the driver more freedom than the standard Q5. This, in turn, makes evasive maneuvers easier to perform.
Capable yet comfy ride: The SQ5's interior delivers the comfort you'd expect from a luxury SUV. Despite its larger 21-inch wheels with a smaller sidewall, the SQ5 doesn't compromise ride quality for its added performance. This is especially so with the available adaptive air suspension. It provides a nice balance between firm and tight in the Dynamic setting, but it's soft and compliant in the Comfort setting.
Technology: The central touchscreen and digital instrument panel both feature high-resolution displays and are responsive to commands. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® integration with wireless connectivity comes standard, although Edmunds' testing found the wired USB connection to be more consistent. The available wireless charging station is a handy feature to have.
What Needs Improvement
Unintuitive voice controls: Audi's voice recognition is competent, but it will only follow specific prompts, so you'll need to learn those. For example, the system won't reply to a request for a SiriusXM channel, but it will find station names. Other vehicle entertainment systems typically handle this better. The alternative would be to use the voice assistants on Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay® for common navigation and message commands, but they can't change the radio stations.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Audi SQ5 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi SQ5 23rd out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi SQ5Audi SQ5 features and specs
Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Adjustable Suspension
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
349
Torque (ft-lbs)
369
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
111"
Overall length
184.3"
Width
74.5"
Height
65.5"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 38"
Head room
F 38.1"/R 37.7"
Front tires
P255/45WR20
Rear tires
P255/45WR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
440/4400 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Audi SQ5 FAQ
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium Plus : 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Prestige : 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Premium : 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The Audi SQ5 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Audi SQ5 as 22 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUV
The 2023 Audi SQ5 has a maximum towing capacity of 4400 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Audi SQ5:
- Cruise Control
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Adjustable Suspension
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